Chaplains helping schools

New Zealand schools have enjoyed the services of volunteer chaplains for 25 years and Lifewalk (formerly CEC chaplaincy) are celebrating this achievement in 2015.

Around New Zealand there are 167 chaplains in state schools, helping children and sometimes staff and parents, through difficult times.

However, schools in Taranaki are experiencing a shortage of school chaplains. At the moment there are fourteen chaplains in schools around the province but there are several schools who are wanting to replace chaplains who have moved on.

Chaplains are trained through an organisation called Lifewalk (www.lifewalk.org.nz) and have been working as volunteers in schools since the late 90's. The chaplains come from varying backgrounds and age groups, but all have a strong Christian faith and a willingness to serve their school community.

Chaplains do not 'preach' or try to persuade anyone to their faith, but are simply in school to be 'a listening ear' for the students and often staff and families. School staff value their input on the pastoral team and children value them as a friend to talk to when times are tough.

Chaplains are in school for a minimum of four hours per week and often work with children in the classroom, on the sports field or involved in before or after school clubs, as well as hanging out in the playground with the children and interacting with staff at morning tea or lunchtime.

Irene Hosking volunteers as a chaplain at Stratford Primary School and says she finds it incredibly rewarding. "Some children come to school and they have had no-one to talk to that morning, I am here just to provide a listening ear and to ask them how their day is going. All children need to know that someone cares about them, about how they are."

The chaplain isn't just there to support the students, Irene says she is also available to talk to staff at the school or parents as the need arises.

It is just about being available and being ready to listen.

Irene Hosking, School Chaplain

If you have some spare time, can connect well with children and adults, are passionate about helping children or teens through difficult situations and you have a church community that will support you, then please get in touch with Debbie, chaplaincy co-ordinator for LifeWalk Taranaki on 06 754 4942.